Hiking with Your Dog: Series 001

Feb 24, 2012 by DailyPuppyCharm

Introducing our newest series of posts, Hiking with Your Dog to encourage both the dog and owner(s), perhaps even a friend or two to get out and take a hike! But before you run off to the nearest trail (where dogs are allowed) please follow these safety precautions because there is nothing better than a well-behaved dog and prepared owner on the trail.

1) Your dog should be trained to walk well and quietly on a leash.

2) You should be able to control your dog if any circumstances arise.

3) Pick-up after your dog’s poop and dispose of it properly.

4) Bring water for both you and your dog.

5) Plan ahead! Do your research or ask park officials if pets are allowed, if it’s an on-leash or off-leash trail and if trail conditions are suitable.

Buffalo Park Urban Loop Trail (Flagstaff, AZ)

Once your dog is watered and leashed—remember to take extra water since half of this loop hike is fully exposed—you are on your way. This trail loops through both meadow and forest atop a mesa nestled in the shadow of the San Francisco Peaks. 

Lake Almanor Recreation Trail (Almanor, CA)

In summer, the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail is a wide, inviting paved path that meanders along the scenic western shore of this lake, which has 55 miles of shoreline and is 13 miles long and 6 miles wide. The lake was created in 1914 to fuel a hydroelectric plant operated by the Great Western Power Company; its name is a combination of Alice, Martha, and Elinore, the daughters of the company’s vice president.

Spring Hill / Nashoba Brook Conservation Areas (Acton, MA)

With over 300 acres to explore, the Spring Hill and Nashoba Brook Conservation Areas are two hidden gems that you and your pup will greatly enjoy. The adjacent properties offer wildlife-viewing opportunities, stone walls, access to Nashoba Brook, and meandering trails under the cool shade of oak, maple, and birch trees. 

Chocolate Lakes Loop Trail (Aspendell, CA)

This hike, in the granite belly of the High Sierra spires, climbs like a stairway to the heavens, where lakes are jewels crowned by meadows and peaks, each emerging vista more intoxicating than the last.